Cracked Screen after 1-week - AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note I717

Had phone since the Sunday it was released...screen has developed a crack at the bottom, just above the capac. buttons going completely across the screen.
Everything still works fine, but is obnoxious to look at.
Heres the thing... (and I know people will doubt this) but I haven't dropped the phone at all. Not even set it down roughly. This morning, everything was normal...went to go to work and put it in my bag by itself (correction - only other thing in there was a book and a wool hat). Got to work, took my phone out and BLAM, crack stretching from one side to the other. No marks around the bumpers or anything. I'm completely nonplussed at what could have happened. My thinking is flex *could* have done this, but that seems like it'd need a hell of a lot of pressure to do.
Well, ATT won't cover it, samsung won't cover it and the quoted repair cost is $200. Deductible for ATT phone insurance is...you guessed it...$200 (or $250 can't remember).
Anyone have any luck with these flybynight screen repair shops? I don't think they'd have the parts in stock for the phone since it is new and kind of a fringe product.
I'm seriously pissed...hung around with my iphone 3g for 3 years waiting for a good phone to upgrade to..finally blow my upgrade and a week later blam.
Rant!

You have a warranty just send it in to get fixed
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA App

It should be obvious it wasn't dropped.
just take it back under warranty and get it replaced.
Sent from my Samsung Note via Tapatalk.

Yes warranty would work as long as it doesn't look dropped down.

raviluke said:
Yes warranty would work as long as it doesn't look dropped down.
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I called Samsung on the phone and they told me it wouldn't be covered under warranty... I did explain to them that it hadn't been dropped or anything. Should I call and pester them again?

balorok said:
I called Samsung on the phone and they told me it wouldn't be covered under warranty... I did explain to them that it hadn't been dropped or anything. Should I call and pester them again?
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I would take it to a different AT&T location and see if they'll replace it. Sounds like you got a rubbish device. I can't imagine they would replace it, as long as it's obvious it hasn't been dropped.

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Some photos of the damage/device, I have more of just about every angle. I cannot find *any* indication of external damage which makes sense, but still the screen is jacked.

I bet the book fid that. That happened to our recrptionist to her iphone. A book in the back pack. She is a college studemt.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

I would imagine the book definitely did that. Don't let them know that though ;-)
Sent from the best mobile device ever --Samsung Galaxy Note

A paperback book could do that? Thats actually very concerning to me as a consumer. I'm extremely cautious with my electronics (ask my wife, she will eyeroll ) and to have something like this occur without any strenuous contact being made with the phone is appalling.
First Samsung phone, and unfortunately will most likely be my last. It looks and operates flawlessly and was exactly what I wanted... but I can't for the life of me see spending that kind of money on something that can essentially break through such light use.

balorok said:
Had phone since the Sunday it was released...screen has developed a crack at the bottom, just above the capac. buttons going completely across the screen.
Everything still works fine, but is obnoxious to look at.
Heres the thing... (and I know people will doubt this) but I haven't dropped the phone at all. Not even set it down roughly. This morning, everything was normal...went to go to work and put it in my bag by itself (correction - only other thing in there was a book and a wool hat). Got to work, took my phone out and BLAM, crack stretching from one side to the other. No marks around the bumpers or anything. I'm completely nonplussed at what could have happened. My thinking is flex *could* have done this, but that seems like it'd need a hell of a lot of pressure to do.
Well, ATT won't cover it, samsung won't cover it and the quoted repair cost is $200. Deductible for ATT phone insurance is...you guessed it...$200 (or $250 can't remember).
Anyone have any luck with these flybynight screen repair shops? I don't think they'd have the parts in stock for the phone since it is new and kind of a fringe product.
I'm seriously pissed...hung around with my iphone 3g for 3 years waiting for a good phone to upgrade to..finally blow my upgrade and a week later blam.
Rant!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buy a replacement from ebay and fix it yourself. shouldnt be too difficult, I have replaced my iphones and my sensations screen and they pretty much were the same

I tried looking on ebay for a replacement, but perhaps I'm searching for the wrong thing...
can you share a link?

After calling just about every ATT store in town and explaining the problem, I found one willing to exchange it for a new one no questions asked.
I'm still worried about the durability of the phone since nothing major occurred that should cause this amount of damage. Hopefully I just had a defective screen or something and this one will last me a long, long time.

i carry my note in my pocket (I'm a big guy) it rides in the front pocket all day was case-less for the first week i mean i worked played and goofed off with it there can't even tell. i think u just got a bad glass display it is mass produced product and defects do happen.
I myself was very impressed with the build quality of the phone how sturdy it felt despite its lack of depth. So i'd just be aware and keep ur books away from it

should probably just start storing my books on the damn thing

balorok said:
After calling just about every ATT store in town and explaining the problem, I found one willing to exchange it for a new one no questions asked.
I'm still worried about the durability of the phone since nothing major occurred that should cause this amount of damage. Hopefully I just had a defective screen or something and this one will last me a long, long time.
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Click to collapse
Im guessing you just had a faulty screen. Gorilla glass can take some serious pressure, and is even pretty damn good at shock resistance. I've dropped my old captivate and infuse countless times without a case and never cracked a screen. Hell, last summer my captivate took a kick from a full grown horse when it was in my pocket, and the screen survived. The hoof hit the back of my captivate, bent the backplate and battery, but the screen was fine. It saved me from a huge bruise, that's for sure.
I think you will be fine with a new device, because it sounds like a faulty screen. Don't let one faulty Samsung ruin Samsung for you forever. They make great devices, and their screens are matched by none. Other manufacturers are just as likely do have a defective device, you just got really unlucky with your first note.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

I have already dropped my note face down on a corner (it was in a speck case and had a clear screen protector on) and knock on wood it was fine. It is very possible that its just a faulty screen. I would pesster the heck out of at&t and samsung til i got a new phone. They will budge you just have to be persistant.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

I am anal about my devices also, and the thought of just throwing it in a bag makes me cringe! Always front left pocket for me, no exceptions!

balorok said:
A paperback book could do that? Thats actually very concerning to me as a consumer. I'm extremely cautious with my electronics (ask my wife, she will eyeroll ) and to have something like this occur without any strenuous contact being made with the phone is appalling.
First Samsung phone, and unfortunately will most likely be my last. It looks and operates flawlessly and was exactly what I wanted... but I can't for the life of me see spending that kind of money on something that can essentially break through such light use.
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Click to collapse
No offense, but if you stuffed your Note in a bag with a book or anything else, you're not really that cautious with your electronics. There's a reason I have never damaged any of my phones or tablets. It's because I don't do things like that.

greyhulk said:
No offense, but if you stuffed your Note in a bag with a book or anything else, you're not really that cautious with your electronics. There's a reason I have never damaged any of my phones or tablets. It's because I don't do things like that.
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I'm not sure where you got the idea that I "stuffed" it in a bag. The bag in question was a messenger style bag with separate internal pockets, phone was in one, book in the other. Book was a paperback (you can actually see it in my photos) about 200 pages thick.
UPDATE:
Second phone screen cracked. Top of screen near the front camera. Had it less than 24 hours - took it back and they exchanged it again with no issues.
Got it at around 4pm, took it home, put it in case (SGP) and put it to charge, went to the gym and then came home and did some programming for a few hours before bed. Phone stayed on charger the whole time. Next morning I put (note: did not "stuff") the phone into my right front pocket of my jeans (normal jeans, not skinny or anything). It was the only thing in the pocket, had a wallet in my back right pocket and some disposable eye contacts in my left front pocket. Walked about 3 blocks to a lecture checked email on the phone - no crack. sat with it in the pocket (front right) for about an hour and a half, then got up and walked home. Got home took the phone out...crack! About an inch long from the very edge of the glass towards the middle of the phone.
I can't make this stuff up. Took it to the store and they replaced it for me again. Manager said something about maybe they got tussled around during shipment or packing.
Both cracked were white devices. The phone I have now is a black one.
I'm trying to think of reasons why this could have occurred twice. First time could possibly have been from being in the bag, but I wasn't throwing the bag around or anything like that. Second time? Who knows... if walking with a phone in your pocket causes it to break...
I am super thankful that I found a store willing to do the exchanges, and I do love this phone...but what the heck!

Related

Poor Design For Screen (BEWARE)

For something billed as practically bullet-proof, the razr disappoints.
Thanks to poor design and too much flex the internal screen on my razr is toast. I have intentionally waited a few weeks to post this because I wanted to be more objective over this. Let me start by saying I am the very average user case, I make a few phone calls, mostly text messages and when I am stuck somewhere a little bit of web browsing. I am an engineer and I understand pretty well things like internal stresses and loads. I am also very methodical and keep my phone in the same pocket every time, I baby it and ensure it never can fall. So this being said I was amazed when I pulled it from my pocket to see a scrambled then black screen.
So to explain, a few weeks ago I am in a bar with my girlfriend and my buddy. We are pretty much the only ones there, I pull out my phone from my front pocket send a message to some other people who are going to join us, put the phone back in my pocket, walk over to the bar get drinks and return. I pull my phone out of my pocket again and the internal screen is cracked. I don't wear emo pants, I didn't body slam myself to the ground, I didn't get struck by a vehicle, I simply walked 20 feet back and forth and my phone went from "everything is a go" to "congratulations on your $300 paperweight". In addition, the rest of the phone was fine, the backing, the gorilla glass on the front, everything, just the internal screen starting at the center on the left and radiating out a few inches was a few tiny cracks.
Again, I reiterate, I have babied this phone, I never dropped it in the 3 months I had it, kept it nice and safe. The reason was that before this I had an htc eris, I bought it used in decently rough shape, and it was a veritable tank, it had been dropped and it had taken a beating, and it barely slowed. Then I decided that I actually was going to try out having a nice smartphone with a nice blazing data plan so I could enjoy having the benfits of a real smartphone (the eris was on a plan with no data). So I didn't mind shelling out the $300 to get a piece of the glory. I was a little disappointed by the color quality on the screen, and the atrocious battery (I would actually watch it drain batter while plugged in if I was browsing and I never had it last a full day with nothing running and not using it). Though in spite of this I actually got used to the phone and kind of liked it, at least until this.
As expected verizon was useless to provide me any help, all they did was to accuse me of dropping it. I was informed that it was an excellent phone and the only way for this to happen was to be dropped quite a ways onto a hard surface. They also told me that they used them and their batteries lasted all day with talking, texting and web browsing without being plugged in (HAHA). Unforetunately for me I didn't opt for the insurane on the razr and I ended up buying a brand new phone (this time a rezound) and I got the extended battery and can't even fathom how I did it with the razr's battery.
Anyway, I just wanted to give a word of warning be very careful. If you notice there is a lot of flexibility that they have by making this a very wide phone but very thin. This may well be any of your undoing despite how good of care you take.
CTP
I think you have been unlucky. My phone is always in its otter box case screen in toward my leg when in my pocket.
The phone actually has a steel frame as well. No where had it ever been sold as bullet proof though.
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
Unlucky.. probably. But I did want to serve a word of warning. And up until this happened there was nothing wrong, so saying I have had this 3 months and nothing bad has happened to me isn't proof it won't happen. Because until that moment we were in the same boat, and I hope that we won't be in the same boat now for your sake.
None the less, there is nothing I can do now anyway so I am done being bitter.
CircuitsToPlowshares said:
Unlucky.. probably. But I did want to serve a word of warning. And up until this happened there was nothing wrong, so saying I have had this 3 months and nothing bad has happened to me isn't proof it won't happen. Because until that moment we were in the same boat, and I hope that we won't be in the same boat now for your sake.
None the less, there is nothing I can do now anyway so I am done being bitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is insured against accidental damage of any kind. Even getting it wet.
So even if I did end up in your boat it wouldn't matter
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
Sorry to here about your bad luck. Guess that's why I paid full retail for my Razr Maxx so I had insurance no matter what. I've been through alot of phones and never had any problems as you mention. Well atleast not the screen if anything it was basic stuff. Man I remember way back in the day I had one of those Motorola beige brick phones. I drop it , threw to against a wall and it never failed. Just goes to show how things have changed and build quality can always be in question.
So sorry to hear this..
still a big confused on how this can happen. the phone feels very solid.
It sort of feels solid. If you take it and hold the bottom in your left hand and the top in your right hand and turn both hands opposite directions you will notice it flexes quite a bit and without much force at all. Or at least mine does right now at the moment I can get several millimeters of flex which would be enough for the more fragile screen to give way. (Caveat probably not a good idea to try what I am saying as if it yeilds it won't be good).
A screen protector and or some meat on them bones would have prevented this...
No but seriously that sucks. It could just be a fluke phone. I keep my phone in my otterbox commuter case so I am sure that helps a bit.
Its been dropped (nothing serious, few inches) and banged. jJust "normal" wear and tear. I do use screen protectors too. I know the phone is thin but I have never had an issue with the flexing like you describe. So far this phone is turning out to be tough.
I wonder if you can describe the situation to VZW and get a new one unde a manufacturer defect. If not, just get a replacement thought insurance.
ddemlong said:
A screen protector and or some meat on them bones would have prevented this...
No but seriously that sucks. It could just be a fluke phone. I keep my phone in my otterbox commuter case so I am sure that helps a bit.
Its been dropped (nothing serious, few inches) and banged. jJust "normal" wear and tear. I do use screen protectors too. I know the phone is thin but I have never had an issue with the flexing like you describe. So far this phone is turning out to be tough.
I wonder if you can describe the situation to VZW and get a new one unde a manufacturer defect. If not, just get a replacement thought insurance.
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Click to collapse
With full due respect....in terms of protecting from crack of a gorilla screen,what a screen protector does is not more than sticking broken glasses together after the tragedy
From my RAZR MAXX
That's the thing, the gorilla glass is fully intact and still smooth as a baby's butt. It was the internal screen that cracked. Also vzw did nothing but accuse me of dropping it, they had no incentive to help me.
jiwengang said:
With full due respect....in terms of protecting from crack of a gorilla screen,what a screen protector does is not more than sticking broken glasses together after the tragedy
From my RAZR MAXX
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Oh I know, short of an extra layer of glass or some sort of hard clear resin screen its not gonna help one bit.
The Maxx is much better, but I know you bought this before it came out. Did you go into the retail store and they told you you dropped it? Or was it customer service over the phone? If you have proof that these is not a scratch on the phone, how can you be told it was dropped? I would push the matter further, all the way up to corporate if I had to. But the real problem lies with not having that protection plan. That is the real bummer.
flashman2002 said:
The Maxx is much better, but I know you bought this before it came out. Did you go into the retail store and they told you you dropped it? Or was it customer service over the phone? If you have proof that these is not a scratch on the phone, how can you be told it was dropped? I would push the matter further, all the way up to corporate if I had to. But the real problem lies with not having that protection plan. That is the real bummer.
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In store and they all but called me a liar outright. It was frustrating, the only funny part was that I had two alarms set for the morning but the touch screen didn't work, though it would intermittently think you pressed the buttons for snooze, so the alarms were going off psuedo randomly for minutes at a time. The whole time the alarms were going off creating annoyance for them and customers.
The bad part was I was 3 hours from home on an anniversary with the GF and travel a bunch so I had to have a phone right then. I had no option but buy a new one. Lesson learned I have insurance and I have a feeling I will lose it more often now.
Go to a different store. I drive 20 miles because I hate the local. I went to the different store and they yeah thats why I left there or is so and so still there. Local store sucked but the other is great and always helps. Sad I have to drive but usually try and do something else I need to get done while out there. Customer service has been hit or miss. Usually you dont get follow through. Verizon tried to get a hold of me for 3 days and left a message telling me that created a trouble ticket to make sure I was happy. Never had them call like that before.
You might have had a defected phone. The RAZR is very solid I've dropped It a few times and punched it more than once. I dont use a case either. Screen is fine no scratches on it either though there's scratches and chips on the phone. I'm pretty hard on my phone but that's why i pay for insurance that covers everything that I got from best buy. I hate Verizon's insurance.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
Same here, i am a carpenter and mine is abused and buried in saw dust all day. Dropped many times, and rides in my bibs front pocket where it gets pushed on and crushed by body weight. Hrmmm, watch it will break tomorrow, shoot..
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
Right they don't want to help in such cases, despite claiming the opposite
From my RAZR MAXX
JDCFH said:
Mine is insured against accidental damage of any kind. Even getting it wet.
So even if I did end up in your boat it wouldn't matter
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup me too. Full coverage of accidental damage. This day in age I can't imagine not paying the extra $8 a month for this for ANY phone. They are too expensive and when we have them with us 100% of the time in our daily lives there is too much opportunity for damage. Regardless of what phone model.
The problem is the backing. It's very flexible.. you really can fix this by getting a hard case.
I have full coverage so I don't mind if it breaks. My SD card has everything important and I backed it up a few days ago so I'm all set
You should try going to Motorola instead, post this in their forums to see what they can do.

[Q] Cracked Screen at 45 days

My girl and I got our Notes direct from AT&T by reupping for 2 years. We both immediately put them in Speck cases, and I covered mine with Armor Suit screen shield. She didn't, cause she didn't like the feel... neither do I really, but I like the feeling of security. She babies her phone, cleaning the screen several times a day, keeping it out of dirt, and just basically keeps it in much better shape day-to-day than I keep mine.
Anyway, she pulled her phone out of her purse late on Friday (too late to go to AT&T) and this is what we found. There is nothing in this particular purse that is even a bit hard that could have hit the screen and she says when she grabbed it (near the ATT logo) she felt cracking, and felt broken glass stabbing her finger. I thought it looked like it got hit, but there is nothing else on the screen, and where she had it in her purse, she'd have been knocked on her butt from the force required to get through the hats and scarf that the phone was inside and break it like this. If it got hit, someone was taking shots at us or something... but then, no puncture in the purse... and yeah, she's got nails and all, but she isn't some Amazonian... could a fingernail have done this?
The phone works fine, the digitizer is fine. I've looked on ebay for replacement glass... she wants it stock, not with an N7000 glass, so that's out for the time being. It looks worse now than it first did, but we are currently in a town with no AT&T store and won't be back to civilization till like Wed or Thurs... but in the meantime I'd like to know what we might be able to do.
1)- So, is it possible this is the "bad screen" crack problem?
2)- What can we do at 45 days (we don't have the ATT insurance)
Looks like it took a shot on that second picture...doesn't look like a defect. Im afraid you might be SOL...manufactures warrenty only covers mechanical problems, not damage in which case youd use your insurance if you had it but you'd still have a 200 detectable or whatever they charge. Id certainly call and *****...maybe they'll work with you. Just a tid bit for ya, each of the 5 times i had my infuse replaced (warrenty) they told me that the phone ill be sending back needs to be in basic perfect condition or they'll charge me the retail value of the phone to my bill.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
There is no "bad screen" problem. It is glass it breaks you cannot go against laws of nature.either wait for lcd price to drop and do it urself or just sell it on ebay
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
You may be able to get your credit card to provide accident coverage.
i just cracked my screen too. can't see anything but it still turns on. I looked on Ebay to get an idea of what it might go for. Any ideas?

Screen cracked, what should I do?

Well, after being fairly sure-handed with phones, I dropped my Rezound on a tile floor and the screen has cracked in multiple places. Now, it should be noted that the picture is still fine, and the touch screen still works. Unfortunately, I don't have insurance because as I stated, I'm very good with phones. At this point though, I've come up with a couple different options. Potentially replacing the screen (I'm not sure if that's what I want to do because I'm not completely phone hardware savvy, and I don't want to waste money if I can't do it or screw something up), buying a new phone, or putting insurance on the line and sucking it up for a few weeks (not too fond of that, simply because I find that to be kind of a selfish move). I'm leaning towards getting a new phone, but I'm not sure what to do. I absolutely love my Rezound, but I'm a slight flashoholic and development hit a lull, though it's slowly beginning to come back it appears. I don't know if I should get another Rezound, or jump ship and get a GNex or GS3 or something different. Does anyone have any UNBIASED recommendations? Perhaps some direction to lead me in? I'm not looking to bash the Rezound or anything of the sorts. I love my phone, I love what the devs have done, and I have zero complaints unlike many others around here. I'm just a sucker for new hardware, and the GS3 just looks so tempting minus a few things.
TL;DR - Cracked screen, don't know if I should attempt to replace screen or get a new phone entirely (and which phone at that) or put insurance and wait to file claim
I would try and replace the screen... its not too hard if you buy the little tape from 3m that is used to adhesive and try to do it in a non dusty area
yojoe600 said:
I would try and replace the screen... its not too hard if you buy the little tape from 3m that is used to adhesive and try to do it in a non dusty area
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I would say try and replace the digitizer as well. Thats about a $30 job
I would put some 3M packaging tape on it for a temporary fix, one strip right down the middle should hold it together and keep you from cutting your finger open until you can have it repaired.
bosox284 said:
Well, after being fairly sure-handed with phones, I dropped my Rezound on a tile floor and the screen has cracked in multiple places. Now, it should be noted that the picture is still fine, and the touch screen still works. Unfortunately, I don't have insurance because as I stated, I'm very good with phones. At this point though, I've come up with a couple different options. Potentially replacing the screen (I'm not sure if that's what I want to do because I'm not completely phone hardware savvy, and I don't want to waste money if I can't do it or screw something up), buying a new phone, or putting insurance on the line and sucking it up for a few weeks (not too fond of that, simply because I find that to be kind of a selfish move). I'm leaning towards getting a new phone, but I'm not sure what to do. I absolutely love my Rezound, but I'm a slight flashoholic and development hit a lull, though it's slowly beginning to come back it appears. I don't know if I should get another Rezound, or jump ship and get a GNex or GS3 or something different. Does anyone have any UNBIASED recommendations? Perhaps some direction to lead me in? I'm not looking to bash the Rezound or anything of the sorts. I love my phone, I love what the devs have done, and I have zero complaints unlike many others around here. I'm just a sucker for new hardware, and the GS3 just looks so tempting minus a few things.
TL;DR - Cracked screen, don't know if I should attempt to replace screen or get a new phone entirely (and which phone at that) or put insurance and wait to file claim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the EXACT same boat. Was getting a girl's number after the bar closed on Saturday night and she accidentally knocked it out of my hand. First cracked screen in 13 years of cell phone use. I started doing research and the parts seem cheap enough but the actual repair process seems to be an aggravation. So I'm debating $30 repair or $650 on new phone? The economics say go with a repair, but HTC's also forcing my hand on moving forward from the Rezound (since they don't want to release sources).
Just remember gnex specs are worse. That's all I gotta say.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Christopher3712 said:
I'm in the EXACT same boat. Was getting a girl's number after the bar closed on Saturday night and she accidentally knocked it out of my hand. First cracked screen in 13 years of cell phone use. I started doing research and the parts seem cheap enough but the actual repair process seems to be an aggravation. So I'm debating $30 repair or $650 on new phone? The economics say go with a repair, but HTC's also forcing my hand on moving forward from the Rezound (since they don't want to release sources).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well after looking at a video of the repair process, I've decided that $30 is not a huge deal. The worst thing that happens is I screw up the phone beyond repair, at which point I have to get a new one anyway. At that point, what's an extra $30 when you're getting a new phone? The only downside, is there's no phone for a few days. Oh well.
cslingerland said:
Just remember gnex specs are worse. That's all I gotta say.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is completely true, but from a software perspective, there's a lot more development, many more options for flashing, and close to no hassle when it comes to updates. Though I love the latest hardware, and would have likely gone with the GS3.
I just got mine repaired at a place I found online cost me a little over a hundred.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
After breakingg mine for the 3rd time,
1st time I didn't crack it, I tore a piece of the connector that attaches to the glass, it disabled about half the screen, I was trying to paint the "red" buttons more red. Highly recommend you don't do this and just deal with it lol. I went to look for a replacement digitizer.
Found some pretty cheap like you guys, and I purchased one. When it came in I realized that it did not come with any kind of adhesive. This was tormenting. It took me about a week to finally get some special 3m "digitizer adhesive" from china. I proceeded to install it and it came out fine.
The following day I noticed that the digitizer was lifting on the left side, and that some dust had seeped up under the digitizer.
I then spent multiple days and hours trying to get the digitizer to stay, I went threw about three different adhesives, nothing had worked long enough.
2nd time I cracked the cheaped digitizer was be sheer force ;p, lol actually it was an accident. I was in the middle of applying adhiseive strips to the digitizer and I must have gotten a bit rough with it because it snapped in my had, I'm a big guy but I have seriously sensitive hands and can control what they are doing (im an artist). So the digitizer was just cheap as hell, because I had dropped the OEM on on cement a few times prior and it didn't even scratch.
So I was pissed and went to look for an OEM digitizer. Found one on eBay, and bought it, turned out not to be OEM, but it actually did look higher quality then the previous one so I kept it, I didnt pay much for it any way, and you will probably not find an OEM digitizer short of buying a new phone.
I had just about given up on trying to keep the screen down, and after so long and and about 5 hours of installing a new adhesive it turned out ok, but I had some light leaking from the left, and had to press the digitizer down to get rid of it, and that helped for about 5 seconds. Other then that it was ok, but I still kept getting damn dust.
3rd time, dropped it on my kitchen tile floor, lol. It was funny to read you dropped it on tile too. That was the end off it, I was no longer going to spend any more money on a damn digitizer.
TL;dr Read, make fun of me, Buy a new phone.
This was also the first time I ever cracked a screen by dropping it.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

Camera window scratched

I've been using my Note since I got it in March of this year. I didn't purchase a case as I had my iPhone 3GS for close to 3 years and never had an issue dropping it or damaging it.
A few weeks ago I took a picture and it didn't look real good. I opened other pictures I had taken previously and they looked much sharper. I looked into settings and everything looked normal. I looked at the camera window and noticed it was scratched and dirty looking. I tried cleaning it but that didn't do anything.
I contacted Samsung and was told this is physical damage and I need to pay to get this fixed.
I'm not one to try and get everything fixed for free but in this case I think it's a poor design of the camera window as it isn't caved in and sticks out and can get scratched by having the phone rest on it's back. I think this is the normal way to place the phone when I'm not using it.
I would like to know if you guys think this is a poor design or if I'm the one who messed it up ? I know I could of bought a case and this would of never happened but I think if a phone needs a case to keep this from happening then Samsung should supply the case or worn you that you need one. My iPhone 3GS with no case never had an issue with the camera window getting scratched.
If you think this should be covered under warranty how should I convince Samsung as they tell me it's not.
Thanks for your time.
Just hard brick it and return it in for warranty. That's how most folks nowadays do it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
I can't speak for your phone, but I never use a case on any phone. My phones go through hell, very dusty and harsh environment (custom cabinet maker / installer). I have never had a problem with my camera lense cover. And I'm the guy who walks in the office and does the toss slide on the desk with my phone. But one thing I'm very good about is nothing ever goes in the pocket with my phone. Change, keys, lighter, none of that. But as hard as they try to make sure everything they produce is of the same quality, there are exceptions that slip through the cracks.
I love my note!
21productionz said:
I can't speak for your phone, but I never use a case on any phone. My phones go through hell, very dusty and harsh environment (custom cabinet maker / installer). I have never had a problem with my camera lense cover. And I'm the guy who walks in the office and does the toss slide on the desk with my phone. But one thing I'm very good about is nothing ever goes in the pocket with my phone. Change, keys, lighter, none of that. But as hard as they try to make sure everything they produce is of the same quality, there are exceptions that slip through the cracks.
I love my note!
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I always put in my pockets with nothing in my pockets. I will admit I do put it on the counter when I'm at a bar and may move it around on the counter but I still think a 600 dollar phone shouldn't have the camera window flush where it can get scratched.
I sent Samsung an email telling them I find this unacceptable and that this should of never happened and it's not because I'm careless. If they expect us to use a case then supply it with the phone or maybe tell us to never put the phone on it's back as the camera window may get scratched. Guess if they still expect me to pay to get the window changed I will have to learn how to hard brick the phone.
I love my Note and changed because I liked the bigger screen and having a better camera than my iPhone 3GS. I've dealt with Samsung for an issue with my TV and it was pretty hard to get things resolved. Now I have an issue with one of there phones and it seems to be an issue again. My 3GS had an issue with the sensor called Apple got an appointment at an Apple store got there 15 minutes later I was out with a new phone. The new phone had the power supply burn up. Same scenario call got to the Apple store 15 minutes later out with a new phone. That being said I prefer Android over iOS but for customer service Samsung is way behind Apple.
Thanks for the replies. Will keep yo posted on the reply from Samsung to my latest email.
That's your bad my camera is fine and I've had it since pre-order. No case either.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
I hate to say this but "IF it had a case, this probabaly would've never happend". The HTC one X camera bulges out and so far there isn't a lot of complaints about the camera lense getting scraped. Claiming that it was poorly designed is just a bad excuse.
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
[Lady]: "How do you carry that huge phone in your pocket?"
[Note User]: "I'm used to having huge stuff in my pants"
I never touch my lens with anything but a micro-cloth (plus it's in a fairly thick case, so sliding it around isn't an issue), and even then I got a scratch on it straight through the middle the first week I had the phone. But it's not noticeable in pictures. You'd REALLY have to screw up the lens to be able to see anything in a picture, the focal point is so far away from the lens...
EDIT: You may be able to just find a replacement lens and fix it yourself. I did that on a prior phone when the lens cracked from being dropped.
The camera is just that lens with a ribbon cable that connects it to the mainboard. Its not too hard to remove. I have seen replacements for other phones available.
Thanks for the replies. All I know my pictures look grainy now and when I look at the lens/window it's dull looking and I can't get it back clear. If I messed this up I would like to know how I did this as I have done nothing different with my Note compared to my 3GS. Will look into trying to fix this myself as paying 75-100 to get this done by the Samsung service center is expensive. I could understand if I did something stupid to mess it up but as far as I know I didn't.
DS1969 said:
I've been using my Note since I got it in March of this year. I didn't purchase a case as I had my iPhone 3GS for close to 3 years and never had an issue dropping it or damaging it.
A few weeks ago I took a picture and it didn't look real good. I opened other pictures I had taken previously and they looked much sharper. I looked into settings and everything looked normal. I looked at the camera window and noticed it was scratched and dirty looking. I tried cleaning it but that didn't do anything.
I contacted Samsung and was told this is physical damage and I need to pay to get this fixed.
I'm not one to try and get everything fixed for free but in this case I think it's a poor design of the camera window as it isn't caved in and sticks out and can get scratched by having the phone rest on it's back. I think this is the normal way to place the phone when I'm not using it.
I would like to know if you guys think this is a poor design or if I'm the one who messed it up ? I know I could of bought a case and this would of never happened but I think if a phone needs a case to keep this from happening then Samsung should supply the case or worn you that you need one. My iPhone 3GS with no case never had an issue with the camera window getting scratched.
Thanks for your time.
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Hi, perhaps you should look into getting a replacement lens from ebay.
Here's a link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-SAMSUNG...795739?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item20c9df1c9b
If you think this should be covered under warranty how should I convince Samsung as they tell me it's not.
DS1969 said:
Thanks for the replies. All I know my pictures look grainy now and when I look at the lens/window it's dull looking and I can't get it back clear. If I messed this up I would like to know how I did this as I have done nothing different with my Note compared to my 3GS. Will look into trying to fix this myself as paying 75-100 to get this done by the Samsung service center is expensive. I could understand if I did something stupid to mess it up but as far as I know I didn't.
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You obviously did if it's not an issue for anyone else...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Otterbox. Period.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Yes ....otterbox ....
Mine has been very effective ....g
I don't really like cases but I went with the otterbox commuter and I love it. You might want to look into a case once you fix the camera.
My outside silver bezel was scratched from dropping and it also has the camera window. Not to hard to replace. Just need to undo screws and something to pry it off. Found part on eBay.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
If you've been relegated to spending money to fix it or getting a warranty replacement, maybe try to polish it first, it has worked for me in the past with similar issues. I don't know if its a polycarbonate lense, but automotive stuff always helped me. Meguiars plastiX is the stuff I've used with reasonable success, at least with plastic parts. Maybe trying something like that will help clear it up, if the scratching isn't too deep anyway.
I am going to try this tonight.. as i also have a very very beat up camera window and mines been in a case from day 1. but its in my pocket with countless other things. i am going to try and hand polish it and if that fails low speed dremel with a polish wheel and some polish creme lololol worst that happens is i screw it up.. i've got a spare note anyways. I'll try and post some before an after pictures.
EDIT:
after looking at the protective shell its just plastic and not even attached to the camera. you can buy the replacement lens cover here for $5 and its 9 screws to change it out
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140854323974
That's what I did. Hardest part is popping off the piece. I used something called an orange stick (plastic wedge thing). Its very easy though, hope it works out for you.
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ukguy115 said:
That's what I did. Hardest part is popping off the piece. I used something called an orange stick (plastic wedge thing). Its very easy though, hope it works out for you.
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If u take the phone apart so the back is off 9 screws and a case opener tool. you can bend those tabs straight and the piece falls right out. drop the new one in and bend the tabs down and done.
If you take some paper and roll it up and put it on either side of the camera when you're snapping the back cover on it will make it pop up enough to stick out a bit further than the camera cover but not so far as to stop it from locking all the clips on the cover. When you put it back down after that the camera cover doesn't touch the table.

Cracks appearing on back case.

I noticed yesterday small cracks appearing round the edges of the openings in the white back of my S3. I've emailed Samsung to see what they will do about it but thought i'd see if anyone has had issues like this. I dont take the cover off my phone very often and i'd say it's been off less than 10 times since i've owned it (July).
gooshy said:
I noticed yesterday small cracks appearing round the edges of the openings in the white back of my S3. I've emailed Samsung to see what they will do about it but thought i'd see if anyone has had issues like this. I dont take the cover off my phone very often and i'd say it's been off less than 10 times since i've owned it (July).
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My brother's S3 had that and he barely removed it since he is using a case. Like once a month. It has been an issue since the beginning. You have to buy a new back cover if you can't live with that. Or a case.
Be aware these are some of the weakest parts of the case, if when removing the case you bend it back to far this may occurr. What is too far?, when that was
To open the case you should only pull it back ebnough to get your fingle nails under it and then pull it back and off without bending any of it, this is possible, i've had mine off numerous times this way with no damage at all.
New backs cost naff all though, just replace it fella.
Show iSheep why a removable back is so awesome... Get on ebay and buy a new one, they are really cheap (thank you plastic) then laugh at the iSheep you know who have to send it in for service when their precious chicken foil gets scratched.
delsus said:
Show iSheep why a removable back is so awesome... Get on ebay and buy a new one, they are really cheap (thank you plastic) then laugh at the iSheep you know who have to send it in for service when their precious chicken foil gets scratched.
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nexus 4
respider said:
nexus 4
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Busted.
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respider said:
nexus 4
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Offtopic, but wow!! That's a scary avatar
i take mine off all the time!!!! and i have NOOOO ISSUES
delsus said:
Show iSheep why a removable back is so awesome... Get on ebay and buy a new one, they are really cheap (thank you plastic) then laugh at the iSheep you know who have to send it in for service when their precious chicken foil gets scratched.
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This ^^
Samsung will probably claim user damage and take no responsibility anyway so hit ebay and get a new one.
Take the chance and show the iSheep what customization is all about - I've even seen a carbon fibre one for less than $10. A regular plastic one is even cheaper and there are all kinds of covers, plenty to choose from.
I have a crack like that too. And the white around the Samsung letters have also started flaking off.
9000r said:
I have a crack like that too. And the white around the Samsung letters have also started flaking off.
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Buy one from ebay, you can buy metal/poly-carbonate and other sexy backs, or a very cheap regular one.
my white:silly: iphone 3gs developed similar cracks all by its self , i think something is wrong with the quality cuz my 3 weeks old galaxy s3 doesnt have any yet hopefully not in the future
Thanks for the responses, but I think a lot of people are missing the point. The back case is not fit for purpose. Yes I could easily go onto eBay and buy a new one and there are loads on there to choose from. As for iSheep, I've owned 4 iPhones previously and if I had this issue with any of them whilst still in warranty, Apple would have replaced my handset with out much hassle.
If Samsung ever get back to my support query and suggest that the cracks are caused by myself i'll be really disappointed. People can complain all they want about Apple products but their customer service is second to none when devices are still in warranty.
Flame away......
Same problem with my back cover, and only one point I change battery twice a day I will regular basics since 3 month so I do expect some wear and tear
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gooshy said:
Thanks for the responses, but I think a lot of people are missing the point. The back case is not fit for purpose. Yes I could easily go onto eBay and buy a new one and there are loads on there to choose from. As for iSheep, I've owned 4 iPhones previously and if I had this issue with any of them whilst still in warranty, Apple would have replaced my handset with out much hassle.
If Samsung ever get back to my support query and suggest that the cracks are caused by myself i'll be really disappointed. People can complain all they want about Apple products but their customer service is second to none when devices are still in warranty.
Flame away......
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Click to collapse
Actually, from someone who worked at an applecare call center, I will disagree. We were actually instructed to always try to make it the user's fault if possible. It's easier than one would think. That and gut customers saying they're only covered for 1 year when you actually have 2 under Europe's laws. Only when the customer insist A LOT and starts citing laws, were we allowed to escalate the call to a second tier operator who'll still try but most likely end up complying with the customer's request for that 2nd year.
I could go on forever with the **** they have us pull on the customers (some are real asshats that actually deserve though)
Not saying Samsung's any better, I actually don't know how Samsung's service is (hell, I'm actually not expecting it to be any better) but trust me, Apple is not there for the customer, that I know. If you experienced better with Apple, I'll actually be glad since I wasn't cool with their behavior by any means.
Let us know how it turns out please
I bent mine in half and all the paint fractured on it, thought they were really flexible, I guess not
I few months ago i posted a thread with this same issue...
well, a few weeks later, I managed to fix my problem with a "non-cientific" method... to say at least... but it worked for me, don't know why... I removed the back cover... plugged the usb cable on the phone and put the back cover back to the phone with the usb cable plugged in... checked to see if it was properly fitted ... and believe it or not.. the crack on back case was gone...
give it a try... maybe works for you too

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